This is the blog of Susan Lazear, Professor of Fashion at Mesa College in San Diego, California, and owner of Cochenille Design Studio, a company that produces software for the textile arts.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Translating Texture

A fiber artist can use images of texture as sources of inspiration. You can learn to look at your texture image and contemplate the various fiber techniques you know to determine which would best create the look and feel of the image.

I find it helps to squint a little as you look at the texture source. Ask yourself What it is that you see first?.. What are the most important elements?..Is there depth?..

Then, determine what fiber will work best, what sewing or knitting technique (or other).

Below are some texture images taken in India, and some translation ideas.

Here you see a scarf with metal discs sewn on. This one could easily be achieved by adding embellishments to the surface of a fabric (knit or woven). The embellishments could be buttons, beads, discs, or any other item you can sew on.

The roses could be translated by stitching a length of trim or fabric in a scrolling manner on the surface of fabric. Knitters could create I-cord for such purpose.

The carving here is a bit more of a challenge to translate. Consider embroidery. Possibly layer a patterned sheer fabric over a solid one. Knitters could employ lace knitting.

The photo here shows three textured windows in a flat wall. This could be translated by adding lace (whether fabric or knit) to a flat background.

2 comments:

Hello Susan, Wow, India, too!!! Look forward to seeing you and hearing about your adventures. LOVE the colors and energy of your India pics. Do you have dates to be in Portland? Would love to host you and others.Merry Christmas!best, Cheryl

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About Me

There is not a dull moment in my life. I am involved in all things creative, and enjoy the world around me.
As a Professor of Fashion at San Diego Mesa College, I enjoy teaching various courses such as Textiles, Textile Design, Fashion History, Ethnic Costume, Computer Fashion Design (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.), Patternmaking, Draping, and so on.
As owner of Cochenille Design Studio, I involve myself in developing software for the textile arts. (see our blog at http://cochenilledesignstudio.blogspot.com). See also our website and blogs (Cochenille Design Studio and Susan's Favorite reads) at our website at www.cochenille.com.